Abalone valued at about R7.5m seized in Western Cape raid

Abalone valued at about R7.5m seized in Western Cape raid

Police in the Western Cape seized abalone valued at about R7.5 million during a raid on a house in Durbanville on Friday.

The raid was carried out by an integrated team comprising the Hawks‚ SAPS K9 and Department of Agriculture‚ Forestry and Fisheries units which was following up on information received‚ police said.

“The raid‚ which is part of ongoing operations to address abalone related crime‚ was carried out at a house in Sonstraal. There were no occupants at the time‚ albeit with apparent signs that the loot had just been abandoned. Over 23‚000 units of abalone‚ comprising wet and dry abalone were seized. This brings the total units of seized abalone to over 52‚000 valued at approximately R12 million‚ in a week.

“Twelve people have so far been arrested in the ensuing operation and they have already been brought before the courts. Investigations continue and more arrests are expected‚” police said in a statement on Facebook.